I Don't Interfere in My Son's Administration, Says Esama
From Kola Ologbondiyan in Abuja
Esama of Benin, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, at the weekend said his interest in politics was to determine who governs him, noting that his participation in the politics of Edo State was not to interfere in the administration of his son, the Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion.
The governor's father, who spoke in Abuja during the opening of his new Abuja residence that formed parts of the activities marking his 70th birthday, added that "I've never been an active politician all my life but I'm interested in who rules me. If you are not interested in politics, a fool would make a law that would rule you.
"I have never interfered in my son's administration, I have been transparent. One day, I want my son to be the President of this country, not very long, sooner than you think," he noted.
The Esama's son, Lucky, his deputy, Chief Mike Oghiadome, the Delta State Governor, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, Senators Tunde Ogbeha and David Mark, Honourables Abike Dabiri and Abdul Oroh, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Dr. Abel Guobadia, as well as the Edo State House of Assembly members were among the guests at the ceremony.
He emphasised patience among Nigerians, stressing that "this country is the best in the world. Look at what President Olusegun Obasanjo has done for five years. Why are we in a hurry, there are some countries like America which have more than 200 years of independence behind them, yet we want to catch them and overtake them.
"I am a member of the ruling party of today, my son is a governor. So, I can't contradict them. I'm not one of those who throw stones at their own homes," he said.
He however called on Nigerians who stashed money abroad to return such for the development of the nation, saying "let the rich know that there are people that they should lift up, they should not just keep the money in Switzerland, they should come home."
"Most of my peers are in Florida, they are trying everything aimlessly because their money is outside, bring it home let us develop Nigeria together as I have done. I love this country, I have no where to go but if you do a census, look at the investments I have, the people I have employed and compare to other people, then you would be able to do a judgment whether I deserve a pass mark or not," he maintained.
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